Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, emphasized the importance of genuine UN reform in order to establish a successful multilateral system. He stressed the need for “listening and dialogue” in resolving conflicts and reducing human suffering.

He stated during his speech at the general debate that any changes made to the United Nations should not focus on creating more meetings, speeches, structures, or institutions. Instead, the emphasis should be on making the current system more effective and relevant to the present time.

He suggested that a significant milestone would be reestablishing a clear differentiation between the actions of governments and those of non-governmental organizations. This would involve prioritizing the improvement of relationships and trust between countries in order to promote peace and security.

Nuclear disarmament

Mr. Gallagher emphasized the importance of implementing a strong agenda for the Second Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in response to the increasing risk of nuclear weapons caused by the conflict in Ukraine.

He urged countries to sign and ratify the TPNW, as well as the CTBT and NPT, which collectively serve as the foundation for disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

Artificial Intelligence

Regarding the increasing amount of ethical and legal issues surrounding the utilization of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) in times of war, Mr. Gallagher expressed that the Holy See backs the creation of a global institution for artificial intelligence. This organization would strive to encourage the sharing of scientific and technological knowledge for peaceful purposes and the advancement of the greater good and holistic human progress.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of utilizing new technologies to address the urgent global issues of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

I hold a deep reverence for the basic freedoms and entitlements that every individual is entitled to.

He highlighted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.

He stated that the important anniversaries of these texts prompt a thoughtful examination of the basis of human rights and their recognition in today’s world, with the aim of reaffirming commitments to protecting human dignity. He stressed the crucial role of religious freedom as a fundamental prerequisite for living with dignity.

The official in charge of handling diplomatic relations expressed serious worry about humanitarian crises caused by conflicts in multiple countries. They emphasized the importance of moving away from the belief that war is justified in order to achieve true peace within the global community.

“It is the responsibility of every individual in this room, as it is through the pursuit of peace and harmonious relationships between nations that we can truly come together as a united global community, as one human family,” he concluded.

The complete statement can be found here.

Source: news.un.org